Champions League Match Day 4 Fixtures;
November 2nd 2010 11:47
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Gareth Bale taking on Inter full-back Zanetti in San Siro
With all eight of the Champions League groups at the half way point, tonight marks the start of the second meetings in the group stage between Europe's elite. Match day four in the ECL is pivotal, as tonight and tomorrow, team's could qualify for the first knockout stage. The flip side of that is, tonight and tomorrow, teams could be eliminated from the tournament. Tonight sees groups A-D play their fourth group matches. Three teams could qualify for the competition's next stage should they win, and other results go their way, tonight; Inter Milan, Lyon and Barcelona.
Starting with Group A, defending Champions Inter travel to Tottenham, for a return of that stunning clash at the San Siro two weeks ago. Inter lead Spurs 4-0 at half time, only for a Gareth Bale second half hat trick to claw the score line back to 4-3. Personally, I don't see Tottenham losing tonight, and Bale's pace will certainly have veteran full back Zanetti a little worried. Inter would go through from the group if they won tonight, and the other game between Werder Bremen and Twente finished a draw. But victory for Tottenham would put them top of the group. Bremen and Twente will both know they face a must win clash in Germany tonight, with the loser sure to face elimination, barring a miracle.
Lyon currently hold a very strong position in Group B, having won their first three games. They travel to 3rd placed Benfica, in what will be a tough clash. Schalke face Tel Aviv, as the French and German clubs will be desperate to pull away at the top of this group tonight. Group D sees a winner takes all match between Rubin Kazan and Panathaniokos. At the moment both teams are cut well adrift behind the top two, and the loser will be eliminated tonight. If it finishes a draw, they are effectively both goners.
The reason for this situation, has been the dominance of Barcelona, and surprisingly, FC Copenhagen in the group. The Spanish giants took top spot after beating their Danish counter parts last time out, but face a tricky trip tonight to maintain that position. A win for Barca could see them qualify for the knock out rounds this evening. Surely the biggest challenge for the home team, will be containing Lionel Messi, who is on fire at the moment!
Finally, tonight is a vital night in the closest of the four groups right now, Group C. Manchester United travel to Bursaspor, in a bottom v top clash. But this will not be an easy game, and United know it is one the really need to win, with Rangers away and Valencia at home to come. Valencia host Rangers in Spain, currently sitting one point behind them in the group. With only 3 points separating the top three in Group C, it really is all to play for. Tonight definitely promises to be a great night of action, in the Champions League.
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